Wow, it's been a while since my last update… I've been lazy, that's all XD
Hm… I guess this is the official beginning to the next story arch, so enjoy!
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6 months later
There, in the distance, do you see it? Don't blink now, for it is a small craft; you might lose sight of it. Its flag, a rich cerulean blue, flutters proudly in the wind. Embroidered on it is a black symbol. At first it curves downward, jagged like a bolt of lightning. But then it curls inward, spiraling, until the overall shape is formed: a drop of water. In a space, two stripes pierce through the droplet, much like the stripes on the cheek of the ship's captain. You can see him standing on the deck, a tall, lean Buizel. He wears a red bandana that covers the top of his head, and a black, open vest. His trousers are patchy and sand colored. A rope belt is tied around his waist, carrying a keen rapier. The sea weasel is talking animatedly to his friend, a Totodile. This one wears no shirt at all, but is donning ragged black shorts. A thick leather belt holds two throwing knives at his sides. A red bandana is tied around his wrist. In fact, everybeast aboard this ship wears a red bandana in some fashion, a symbol of unity, perhaps. There, the young Squirtle, he wears it around his forehead. A pretty Vaporeon maid, with white blouse, brown corset vest, and dark blue skirt, she ties the bandana around her ankle. A serious looking Golduck stands at the wheel. He sports his bandana like the Squirtle. His white shirt is open-chest and his long, navy blue pants stop right above his webbed footclaws. A saber is thrust through a red sash around his waist. The Golduck seems annoyed by his crewmate, a Chatot, who is flapping in frenzy around the helmsbeast. He is a loud and colorful creature, with red bandana attached to the large feather on his head. The last of the crew isn't on deck. If you descend into the kitchens, you will find him. There is the master chef, a Slowpoke. He wears a tall chef's hat and a bandana around his neck. His greasy apron, which used to be white, is stretched tightly across his large belly.
It is a small ship, and a small crew. But perhaps you've heard its name on the wind: Seatunder.
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Life had gone well in the past six months. Skipper and his crew were freebeasts on the sea. They traveled at a leisurely pace, stopping a while on some island, sailing through balmy weather, and even braving a few storms. This day, however…
Skipper turned his head as he saw Buso come out on deck. The cook looked dejected, and the Buizel saw why: in the Slowpoke's paws was a sack, and empty sack.
Skip nodded knowingly, "Ahh, out of supplies, are we?"
Buso threw the sack over his head, looking as though he was on the verge of tears.
The sea weasel looked up at the crow's nest, where Gully was singing loudly and off-key. The crew was grateful that the mast was tall.
"Oi, Gully!" Skipper bellowed, "Any sight o'land?"
The parrot squawked back, "Aye, cap-ee-tan! Saw a smudge on the horizon when I be stretching me wings this morning! Just this morning!" He pointed with his wing.
Skipper nodded to Dorian, who spun the wheel in the indicated direction.
By mid noon the island was in sight. It was mostly covered by dense vegetation, but had a wide beach running along the shore. The west portion was a bit higher than the rest, with a small cliff overlooking the sea.
"An easy landing. Dock her, Dory," Skipper scanned the coast; it seemed peaceful enough.
Suddenly, the ship lurched and Skip fell sideways. They were turning away from the island.
"Torq!" the Golduck stared in amazement at the Vaporeon, who had taken the wheel in defiance.
"I… I don't think this is a good place to land," she looked grave… or was it frightened?
The ship was quiet and all eyes were on the Captain. Skipper got up slowly and brushed off his pants. He approached the quarterdeck. Placing a paw on the wheel, he spoke, "Let go of the wheel, Torq." There was no emotion in his voice, but it was an order.
Torq stared the Buizel straight in the eye, "I won't."
Flint growled audibly and advanced on her, but was stopped by a piercing gaze from Skip.
Skipper pulled the wheel lightly but found that the maid's grip was strong. He shook his head regrettably, "Torq…"
Then, in a surprising move, he swung the wheel down hard, putting the ship back on course and sending the Vaporeon crashing into the deck. He gave her a scornful look before turning his back and walking away.
"Dorian, see that we dock safely. Flint, make sure everything's in order. Torq," she tensed as the Captain addressed her, "I'll see you in my cabin."
Again, it was an order.
The Vaporeon looked uneasy and downcast as she got up and headed for the captain's quarters. Dorian avoided her eyes and focused on his task. In the past six months, he had learned a great deal about his Captain. Skipper, the dare devil, the rogue. The Golduck had underestimated the sea weasel at first, thinking him to be nothing but a scallywag. Why, just a few weeks ago Skip had insisted that they sail into some dark, foreboding fissure cut into the edge of a cliff. Little did they know that it was actually a breeding ground for Gyarados. How they made it out alive and in one piece remains a mystery to the helmsbeast; everything happened so quickly. But he remembered Skipper, calm and confident, barking orders from the front of the ship. And he remembered the Buizel laughing with his friend Flint as they escaped. Skip was a born leader, no doubt. His commands were usually reasonable, if not a bit rash at times, and he treated his crew like kin. But what happened just now reminded Dorian why the younger beast was Captain aboard this ship. When Skipper gives an order, it best be followed. And he never gives an order twice.
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Torq found her paw trembling as she placed it on the door handle. She was not afraid of Skipper, but the fact that he was really going to do it… they were really going to land on that island. The look that the Captain gave her… the water maid shook her head, swallowed, and entered.
The Buizel was lounging casually in his chair, polishing his rapier. He gave Torq the quickest of glances before addressing her, "Explain yourself."
The Vaporeon averted her gaze, "I'm sorry about before, Skip. It's just… I really didn't want to come back…" she looked at Skipper meaningfully.
Back? Then, the sea weasel understood. "We need supplies, there's no questioning that. We'll stock the Seatunder and leave as soon as possible." There was a hint of sympathy in his voice, "You may stay on the ship if you really don't want to see your family again."
For a moment, Torq seemed far away, staring at nothing in particular as she stood there. Skip waited patiently, cleaning his sword with utmost care. Then, the shine returned to the Vaporeon's eyes and she replied, clear and strong, "I'll accompany the crew ashore, Captain." She mimicked Skipper's roguish smile and winked, "I ain't afraid of my past."
The Buizel beamed proudly back at the maid, "That's the Torq I know! Very well then, away with ye!"
Torq nodded and turned to exit. As she opened the door, Skip muttered, barely audible, "I won't let anything happen to ye, mate." And then she knew, she had nothing to be afraid of.
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They'll land soon :nodnod: like, next chapter. Torq has an interesting family, I'll tell ye that much ; D And no, this isn't a romance, just in case it seemed like it 'cause I kinda got the sense after I wrote that last line too, but Skip's just a caring Captain :)
Till next time!
Canyx